A group of young women enjoying the sunshine in the grounds of the former George Newhall estate in San Francisco, circa 1960. Its house and gardens are modelled on Le Petit Trianon at Versailles.

While doing research for my post about the Rat Pack Pool Party, I stumbled across a treasure trove of shots taken by the American photographer Slim Aarons, many showcasing wealthy folks lounging poolside in bygone days. Ever since I was little, I've had a certain fascination with pools and the sorts of entertainments that happen nearby, so I was especially intrigued by these photos and thought I would share them with you. They're a fascinating peek into the past.

Pictured above:1. A desert house in Palm Springs designed by Richard Neutra for Edgar Kaufman, 1970. 2. Babe Paley (Mrs William Paley) by the pool at their cottage in Round Hill, Jamaica, 1959. 3. Guests relaxing around the pool at the home of Molly Wilmot, Palm Beach, Florida, April 1982. 4. The pool at Villa Nirvana, Acapulco, Mexico, 1971. 5. A group of young women enjoying the sunshine in the grounds of the former George Newhall estate in San Francisco, circa 1960. Its house and gardens are modelled on Le Petit Trianon at Versailles.

To see even more photos by Slim Aarons, check out his page on Photographers Gallery (which also sells prints of the photos).